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Islamic Republic's Animosity towards Pre-Islamic Iran, has Overruled Critics and Started Filling the Sivand Dam that will Drown 137 Archaeological Sites and Would Threaten the Mausoleum of Cyrus the Great

27 April 2007

An Iranian man at the site of Cyrus the Great mausoleum, paying his respect to the founder and father of the nation

Protestors outside ICHTO on April 21
(Pictures courtesy of ISNA)
(Click to enlarge)
LONDON, (CAIS) -- Islamic Republic has overruled critics and started filling a new dam in the parched south of the country that will drown 137 ancient archaeological sites and could threaten the mausoleum of Cyrus the Great.

Thousands of activists have rallied and petitioned the government not to flood the dam, which is only seven kilometres (four miles) from Pasargadae -- the first capital of the Persian Empire.

During a visit to the area earlier this month, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Islamic regime's president ordered the inauguration of the Sivand dam. Once operational, the dam will supply water for irrigation as well as provide hydroelectric power.

But it will also drown parts of the Bolaghi valley area, a mountain pass with ancient settlements dating back to 5,000 BCE.

And protestors are worried that increased humidity from the lake could damage the limestone tomb at Pasargadae of King Cyrus the Great, who founded the second Iranian dynasty, the Achaemenid empire in 6th century BCE.

Cyrus the Great remains a revered figure for Iranians as the conqueror of the ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon and author of the Cyrus Cylinder, a declaration in cuneiform seen by some as the world's first assertion of human rights.

His mausoleum is an imposing construction rising 10 metres (32 feet) amid the ruins of the ancient capital with a base of six monumental stone steps leading up to his mausoleum.

"We demand that the flooding be immediately halted but despite the sensitivity of the issue the court has not taken a decision yet," said Ali Dadkhah.

"We have expert studies and documents that prove the dam will drastically change the ecology of the region and damage the tomb when flooded," he said.

"We have to choose wisely between flooding a dam which is useful for a limited period and cultural heritage that links the past, present and future of this land," said Dadkhah.

The lawyer won two lawsuits last year to prevent damage to sites in the historic city of Isfahan, which raised concern that the authorities were not paying enough attention to Iran's ancient heritage.

These involved the construction of a tall building in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which which was reduced by several floors, and a subway route under historic Chahar Bagh Street.

The Islamic regime has rejected any criticism that is is less than attentive to Iran's pre-Islamic past in Isfahan, Pasargadae or elsewhere. It insists that flooding the dam will stop the moment there is any proof of a risk to Pasargadae, and points to the importance of its completion for the local community.

The lake produced by the dam will be 11 kilometres (seven miles) long and will hold 92 million cubic meters of water, increasing the amount of fertile land in an region by 9,000 hectares (22,239 acres).

The authorities are also claiming the water from the dam will help local communities stem a salinization process that has put 28,000 hectares (71,166 acres) of farmland in jeopardy.

Pasargadae lies 70 kilometres (30 miles) from the former Achaemenid capital Persepolis, Iran's best known ancient site, which is visited by hundreds of thousands of Iranian pilgrims, and thousands of foreign tourists each year but is too far away to be threatened by the dam.

It will take takes up to a year to fully flood the dam, and the ICHTO says it could be halted if experts proved humidity posed a threat to the nearby sites.

"We have invited foreign specialists to join our own people currently working at the site and we hope to have enough data within a few months to decide whether flooding should stop," ICHTO research chief and cleric Taha Hashemi claimed.

"The ministry of energy is obliged to halt the operation if we find the slightest evidence that the humidity is damaging to the tomb," said Hashemi, who was in charge of the ICHTO's legal affairs under former president Mohammad Khatami.

After Pasargadae was recorded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the organization appealed to international archaeologists to join excavation operations on the site.

The teams discovered 7,000-year-old inhabited caves and pottery ovens, wine-making facilities dating back to Sasanian dynastic era (224-651 CE) and remains of the Imperial Road connecting the Achaemenid capitals of Persepolis and Susa.

Despite scepticism voiced by critics, Hashemi falsely insists that excavations in Bolaghi Valley have been completed and that there is nothing significant left to be unearthed.

"All the excavating teams wrote there is no problem to flooding the dam," he calimed, dismissing speculation that the current government prefers preserving Islamic heritage to pre-Islamic relics.
"We stand firm against any threats. There is absolutely no difference between pre-and post Islam.

"I am not surprised by the protests and I truly appreciate people's concern. Old civilizations were built by water; one must be careful with modern day dams."

LONDON, (CAIS) -- 1000-hectare area of a historical site belonging to Parthian dynastic era (248 BCE-224CE) in Khuzestan province has fall victim of development constructions of Islamic regimeâ€™s Hamidieh Azad University in Hamidieh city.

The destructive activities of Islamic Azad University, which prior to this has demolished large parts of Sasanian Ivan Karkheh during its construction works and agricultural activities raised the objections of cultural heritage authorities in Khuzestan province. However, despite all oppositions made by cultural heritage experts, this 2200-year-old site was not released.

In a talk with Persian service of CHN, Mojtaba Gahtotuni, member of Khuzestan cultural heritage enthusiasts association said: â€śWith removing the soil with mechanical shovel, Islamic Azad University is destroying a Parthian historic site located on west of Ahvaz - Hamidieh road in order to construct the building of the university.â€ť

Considering that this area has already been registered on 8th of March 2003 with number of 7930 in list of Iranâ€™s National Heritage sites, and existing of architectural evidence in the area, cultural heritage enthusiasts immediately took actions to protect the area against damages posed to it and asked the authorities of the project to stop construction of Hamidieh Islamic Azad University in this historical site.

According to Gahsotuni, Hamidieh gas station is also located on ruins of this historic area, however, Iranâ€™s Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization has made no measure in this regard.

It seems a number of pre-Islamic historical sites and monuments have been targeted by Islamic Azad University in Khuzestan province for establishing its branches. Settling of the official department of this university in Abadan historical church has also evoked the objection of cultural heritage enthusiasts.

23 min 16 sec - May 19, 2007
Average rating: (2 ratings)
Description: The Last Clamour of Pasargad and Bolaghi (Akharin Faryad) By Salehizadeh This is the last tour of Pasargad and Bolaghi before completion of disaster by enemies of culture and freedom, one last cry and outrage for Sivand Dam shame. So, why enemy of freedom-loving Iranian people insists in impounding the dam despite all evidences? General Reasons: a. The Pasdaran Army that has acted as the builder of the Dam has worked on Bolaghy Gorge for 15 years and has plunder its treasures. Now they want to cover the evidence. b. IRI has become sensitive to what it calls Soft Destabilization that is women's movement, student's protests and so on. It has become very sensitive to the tide of protests against the Sivand Dam and is circumventing such endeavors. c. IRI authorities believe that backing off in cases where people are demanding a specific issue would be seen as a great victory against the regime. So, it tries to discourage such sentiments. This Tour of Pasargad and Bolaghi By Salehizadeh is a gift to savepasargad.com it is considered as educational material and highly recommended by ActivistChat.com .

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May 23, 2007
Average rating: (1 rating)
Description: This lecture by Iranian Scholar Professor Esmail Nooriala and Ms. Shokooh Mirzadegi Iranian Writer and Poet is considered as educational material and highly recommended by ActivistChat.com . This is lecture 21, part of weekly lecture series from site http://www.puyeshgaraan.com/Esmail.htm . If you wish to invite Professor Esmail Nooriala for lecture in English or Persian regarding different Iranian cultural or Political subjects please directly contact Professor Nooriala by Fax: 509-352-9630 esmail@nooriala.com or http://www.puyeshgaraan.com/ES.Contacts.htm

48 min 54 sec - Jun 27, 2007
Average rating: (1 rating)
Description: This lecture by Iranian Writer and Poet Ms. Shokooh Mirzadegi is considered as educational material and highly recommended by ActivistChat.com . This is 26th lecture, part of weekly lecture series from site http://www.puyeshgaraan.com/Shokooh/Mirzadegi.htm . Ms. Shokooh Mirzadegi is cofounder of savepasargad.com began her literary work, both as a novelist and a poet, with Ferdowsi magazine and Kayhan daily in the late 1960s. Within the last four decades, she has been one of the most active figures amongst the Iranian literary community, both inside and outside of Iran. If you wish to invite Ms. Shokooh Mirzadegi for lecture in Persian or English regarding different Iranian cultural or Pasargad or Women Rights subjects please directly contact Ms. Shokooh Mirzadegi by Fax: 509-352-9630 or shokoohmirzadegi@gmail.com or http://www.puyeshgaraan.com/Shokooh/SM.Contacts.htm

LONDON, (CAIS) -- The tomb of Firuzan commonly known as Emāmādeh Abu-lolo (or Abu Lulu) in Kashahn, Isfahan province is being destroyed by the order of the Islamic Regime.

A large crowd of Iranians have gathered outside the mayor's office on Tuesday, to voice their objection regarding the destruction of the Iranian heritage, which was a symbol of Iranian resistance against the Arab invaders in 7th century CE, and to some a Shia and a revered Sufi.

Umar al-Khattab, the second Moslem Caliph was assassinated by Firuzan in 645 CE. It is said that Firuzan was a POW captured after the fall of Ctesiphon in what is today known as Iraq, and sold as a slave. A parvenu Arab leader called Mughira ibn Shu’ba purchased him and took him to Medina in Arabia for slavery work.

Most probably Firuzan was a Zoroastrian (by some accounts he was a priest), as the majority of Iranian were at the time of Arab occupation of Iran in 7th century.

“His action was in response to atrocities committed by Arab-Muslim invaders in Iran, which resulted in massacre, rape, looting of our country – we Iranians never forgot nor forgive their crimes against us”, said one of the protestors.

Some Arab as well as committed Muslim historians, in order to undermine Firuzan’s bravery and heroism have claimed (ultimately all derived from Ibn Shihab account) that his action was as the result of an argument between him and Umar over the tax levy.

During the Safavid era and the rise of Shia Islam to power, the dynasty named him Bābā Shojā ul-Din (the one who is brave in the cause of religion) and claimed that he was a devout Shia, and restored his mausoleum.

Another angry protester said: "they say he is not buried here - or some say he wasn't Muslim - so what- as far as we concern this building represents him, our faith and resistance against the savage invaders" - and another one added: "if Abu Lolo was an Arab, they would have erect a golden dome on top of his shrine, rather than destroying it - but no, no - they destroy his shrine, just because he was an Iranian - a noble Iranian - this is an insult to Iranian nation".

Mohammad Salim Al'awa, the Secretary-General of the International Union for Muslim Scholars (IUMS), who believes God "created women for pregnancy and childbirth" speaking to Al-Arabiat New-agency said: "the request for its destruction was delivered to Iran by a group of Arab representatives a few months ago, after the Doha assembly at the beginning of the year. At the assembly a large number of Sunni scholars asked Iran for the destruction of the tomb".

"Imagine the Germans asking Britain to destroy the graves of the brains behind the British plan to kill Hitler [Operation Foxley] during WWII, sine it is considered as an insult to Protestants - would the British accept that? - the assassination of Omar by Firuz[an] wasn't to do with religion, it was simply removing a despot and a criminal from the face of the earth - as the British wanted to do the same with Hitler", said N. one of the protestors outside the governor's office in Kashan.

Firuzan mausoleum located on the road from Kashan to Fins consisted of a courtyard, porch and conical dome decorated with turquoise coloured tiles, and painted ceilings. The Original date of it's construction is unknown, but in second-half of fourteen century it was fully restored and a new tombstone was placed over his grave.

Abu-Lu'lu'ah was a Persian slave who assassinated the Muslim ruler, or caliph, Umar al-Khattab in 23 AH (644–645) CE. His original name was Pīrūz (Arabicized: Firuz)[1]. Other transliterations of his name include Feroz, Firouz, Abu-Lo'lo'a, Abu Lulu, Abu Lolo, and Baba Shuja-e-din. Sunnis claim that he was Zoroastrian but some Shi'ah claim he was a Shi'ah.

[edit] Early life
Abu Lu'lu'ah is said to have been born in Persia, enslaved in Iraq, and carried off as booty by the Islamic conquerors of Iraq. Some accounts say that he was a Magian (Zoroastrian).[citation needed] Ibn Shihab's account included by Ibn Sa'd in his Tabaqat asserted that he was a Christian.

[edit] Moving to Medina
He was a skilled workman, a carpenter and artisan, and his owner allowed him to live in his own household in the Islamic capital of Medina (although according to Ibn Sa'd, Mughira ibn Shu'ba, his owner who was also the governor of Basra, had written 'Umar from Kufa; and then 'Umar had given Mughira special permission to send Abu Lu'lu'ah to Medina --since captives were not permitted to live in Medina). Abu Lu'lu'ah hired himself out as a carpenter, and gave two dirhams a day to his owner in return for his limited freedom [while Ibn Shihab's account states that every month Mughira took 100 dirhams from his wages (although the account of Abu Huwayrith, also in Ibn Sa'd's Tabaqat, states 120 dirhams, four per day)]. He supported a wife and child on the rest of his earnings.

[edit] Death
Main article: Hadith of the killing of Umar
One story [which summarizes and is largely in agreement with the account (ultimately deriving from Ibn Shihab) included by Ibn Sa'd in his Tabaqat] goes thus: Abu Lu'lu'ah felt that he had to give too much of his wages to his owner. He approached Umar, the caliph, and begged for relief, saying (according to Abu Huwayrith's account in Ibn Sa'd's Tabaqat) "The taxes [Mughira] are levying on me are more than I can bear." Mughira (his owner), as a Muslim, was subject to Umar; surely Umar could enforce justice. However, Umar, after questioning him about how much his income was in proportion to the tax that Mughira was demanding from him (according to Ábu Huwayrith), told Abu Lu'lu'ah that he was such a skilled workman that he was sure to make a good wages; there was no need to reduce his obligation to his owner. The slave was enraged at the reply and swore vengeance. [Ibn Sa'd adds: So in his robe he wrapped his two-headed dagger, the grip of which was in the middle, and hid himself in a corner of the Medina mosque.] When Umar went to wake up those sleeping in the mosque for morning prayers, Abu Lu'lu'ah leaped upon him and stabbed Umar six times [three times, according to Ibn Sa'd]. He attempted to make his way out of the mosque, slashing at the bystanders [11 men besides 'Umar, according to Ibn Sa'd] as he fled, but was eventually overpowered. He turned his knife upon himself and committed suicide.

[edit] Legacy

Tomb of Abu-Lu'lu'ah is located in Kashan, Iran.
[edit] Descendents
Currently some people in Iran, mainly in Kashan and Aran Bidgol claim that they are descendents of Abu-Lu'lu'ah. They usually use the family name Azimi (عظیمی).

[edit] Shi'a view
Abu Lu'lu'ah is respected by some Twelver Shi'a Muslims for killing Umar. They gave him the title "Bābā Šajā ud-Dīn" ("the one who is brave in the cause of religion")[1]. He has a shrine in Kashan, Iran.

Some Shi'a Muslims consider Abu Lu'lu'ah an unbeliever who's purpose for the killing of the khalif was about money and was an act of hate on those terms, not valour. These Shi'a say that a true Shi'ite does not love a murderer, let alone an unbelieving Murderer. They say that the existence of a shrine for an unbeliever, murderer and a person who committed suicide is an insult to Islam and Shi'ism.

[edit] References
^ The Origins and Early Development of Shi`a Islam p.58-079
also: A useful online source is the detailed article in the Encyclopaedia Iranica, "Abo Lo'lo'a." Many of the original Arabic documents that contain the accounts of Abu Lu'lu'ah can be electronically searched and are online at www.alwaraq.net .

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu-Lu%27lu%27ah"

Last edited by cyrus on Fri Jun 29, 2007 1:34 pm; edited 8 times in total

Due to the fact that most of IRI Officials are very ignorant of history, therefore they must be reminded regarding History of The Cypress of Zoroaster and what happened to Aboltayb, the carpenter and Al-Mutavakkal.

Parviz Tanavoli wrote:

When it was only one stage away from Ja’fariyah, Al-Mutavakkal was assassinated by his slaves. Aboltayb, the carpenter and the carriers of the tree also met death in different ways According to Bayhaqi, the tree of Zoroastre was felled in AD 846 .

Among the symbols which the Iranians hold dear, none is as popular as the cypress tree. Innumerable qualities are attributed to this tree and its form. Whenever a Persian poet has tried to best describe the stature of his beloved one, he called her “cypress-like”, comparing her balanced poise, lithe motion and enchanting body to those of the cypress tree, and whenever he has spoken of truthfulness, uprightness and youth, he has taken the cypress tree as a model. Believers in free thought have adopted the cypress tree as a symbol of freedom, an essence without deceit or falseness, and interpreted its barrenness as a sign of its liberty. And mystics have noted that other trees – which at times have fresh leaves and at others appear withered and bare – embody both perfection and desolation, while the cypress tree is free from the latter. Comparing freedom to a cypress tree, Ferdowsi has written:

Cho Rostam bepaymood bAlA-ye hasht
Be-sAn-e yeki sarv-e Azad ga

Painters and visual artists have also focused on to the cypress tree and adopted it as one of their favorite theme. Whenever a painter has tried to depict paradise or an idyllic realm, he has populated it with tall cypress trees, and architects, stucco-makers and tile-makers have amply utilized its form in their creations, and women have woven colorful cypress trees in their textiles or carpets. Adding the rows of cypress trees adorning the walls of Persepolis, depicted under the guard of Persian soldiers, to the cypress trees remaining from the Islamic period, one better realizes the eternality of the cypress tree in Iranian culture, and becomes even more eager to discover the secret of this eternality. In this quest, one comes across more historic events related to the cypress tree.

One of these is related to the cypress tree of Kashmar, the felling of which gave birth to a great tragedy in Iranian culture and literature, inspiring many poets and writers. This cypress tree had been planted by Zoroaster. According to historic narratives, during his lifetime the prophet Zoroaster planted two cypress trees as good omens: one in Faryumaz (west of Sabzebar) and the other in Kashmar (south of Mashhad). Both were amazingly large. Upon hearing their description, the “Abbasid caliph Al-Mutavakkal” had ordered the cypress tree of Kashmar to be felled and its wood to be brought to him Samarra. He had recently begun the construction of the Ja’fariyah Palace and intended to have its wood used in it. But the description of the majesty of the felled tree was such that he decided to have its pieces reassembled for him to contemplate. She he sent the message to his appointees that no part of the truck or its branches should be discarded and that they should be packed in felt and sent to him, so that the carpenters of Baghdad could reassemble it with nails and make it possible for the caliph to see it at close range.

‘Ali Ibn Zayd Bayhaqi’ has recorded this event, a momentous happening at the time, and given precise indications concerning the tree’s dimensions and the method used to fell it. As Bayhaqi writes, its circumference measured twenty-seven tazianebs and ten thousand sheep could rest in its shade. There were so many birds and wild beasts among its branches that their number could not be recorded. Of-course, felling such a tree was not a simple matter and required special tools and great skill. For this purpose, a master carpenter by the name of Hossein Najjar, who lived in Nayshabur, was called. Hossein spent a long time preparing a special saw.

Learning of the caliph’s decision, the Zoroastrians gathered and went to see his emissary, Aboltayb, whom they implored for the caliph’s mercy. They were even prepared to pay iffy thousand Nayshabur gold Dinars, but Aboltayb remained inflexible. He said: “The caliph is not one of those rulers whose orders can be cancelled!” and reiterated his order to fell the tree.

Bayhaqi has written that, when the cypress tree was fe3lled, earth tremors were felt, water springs and buildings were severely damaged, .and all night long all kinds of birds gathered, so that the sky was filled, and raised such a loud wail in their own voices that people were astonished.

Bayhaqi has also left behind figures concerning the costs of felling and transporting the tree. According to these, felling and transporting it from Kashmar to Ja’fariya cost 500,000 dirhams and 300 camels were used to carry its pieces. Despite these expenses and efforts, Al-Mutavakkal never saw Zoroaster’s cypress tree. When it was only one stage away from Ja’fariyah, Al-Mutavakkal was assassinated by his slaves. Aboltayb, the carpenter and the carriers of the tree also met death in different ways According to Bayhaqi, the tree of Zoroastre was felled in AD 846 and it had been planted 1405 years earlier. On the basis of these figures, it was planted around 550 before BC. This date differs by only 33 years with the Zoroastrians’ traditional date, because Zoroaster was born in 660 BC and was martyred in 583 BC, at the age of 77. (According to University researchers this date is wrong. Zarathustra was born about 4000 years ago, and this is a very modest estimate.) The cypress tree of Zoroaste was never forgotten by the Iranians. On the contrary, its memory grew ever stronger with the passage of time and poets and artists kept depicting it in their works. With the advent of the Safavid dynasty, and the ensuing reversion to Iranian national themes, the cypress tree of Zoroaster acquired further importance, but, owing to religious and political considerations, the name of Zoroaster was discarded and only its form was retained.

Aware of the popularity of the cypress tree among the population, the Safavids took advantage of it to further strengthen the Shi’ite creed and introduced it in mourning ceremonies. A type of small metallic cypress tree, called ‘alam and incised with the names of God, Mohammad, Ali and their kin, was carried in from of mourning processions, and another type, which was made of wood, was called nakhl (palm tree).

Traveling in the cities around the desert, one can see these nakhls in from of mosques and in public squares. A 12-meter-high nakhl stands in from of Amir Chakhmaq Mosque, in Yazd. This nakhl is believed to be 400 years old. An equally large nakhl stands in a public square in Taft and other similar but slightly smaller ones can be seen in Yazd, Kashan, Abuaneh and in Khorasan. On the day of the ‘Ashura they are decorated with expensive colored fabrics and carried in procession by the population. Almost all the men, old or young, join to carry the nakhl on their shoulders. Some nakhls weigh several tons.

As for the appellation of nakhl, and why such an obviously cypress-shaped structure has become known as “palm”, we must once again turn to the Safavids and their aims. But, before that, one point needs to be made clear, namely that the cypress tree is the national tree of the Iranians, and the palm tree that of the Arabs. Therefore, if a scene of Karbala and the holocaust of the ‘Ashura is to be depicted, then the palm tree must be represented, and not the cypress. And this is the dilemma which the Iranians of Safavid times astutely resolved by adopting the cypress tree, a long-time symbol familiar to Iranians, and calling it a palm tree. In order to preclude any further discussion, once every year (on the day of ‘Ashura), this tree is given the appearance of a tent or a coffin and, by setting two cypress trees facing each other and covering the whole with black and green cloth, reminds the viewers of the tent of Emam Hossein’s family. Although this tent does not resemble a palm tree, it adequately does its job of evoking the ‘Ashura of the year 61 AH. On other days of the year, they are still called nakhl, but, without any decoration of covering, they are nothing but tall cypress trees, and cannot be unrelated to the cypress tree of Kashar felled by order of the caliph Al-Mutavakka. Rather than for its wood Al-Mutavakkal had the Iranians’ dear cypress tree destroyed in an attempt to annihilate their beliefs and respect for nature and earth, little knowing that they would erect thousands more cypress trees in the squares of their own towns and villages.

Beyond their names of Sarv (cypress tree) or nakhl, these wooden structures are the only sculptures of past eras in Iranian public squares; unique sculptures indeed, and I have seen innumerable sculptures in different squares across the world, but rarely seen masses as majestic as the cypress trees of Yazd and Taft, and as proportionate and harmonious with their surroundings.

Dear All,
With many thanks for Iranian Scholar Professor Esmail Nooriala lecture who allocated this week excellent lecture to very hot issue to educate public who is Firuzan (Abu Lo'lo') and why Iranian people should stop conspiracy by Taazi Mullahs and Islamist Arabs..
If today the Iranian people don't defend symbols of Iranian resistance against barbaric Arab invaders, rapists and Taazi Mullahs then tomorrow might be too late.
Please click to watch :
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5204106287257797062&hl=en
Regards,
Cyrus
__________________________________________________________

Description: This is the 27th program of a series called "In the Realm of Culture" (Dar Pishgaah e Farhang) in Persian language . Here, in the third part of his talks about the concept of specialized languages for professionals in cultural studies, Dr. Esmail Nooriala talks to Ms. Shokooh Mirzadegi about the concept of "Symbols" and discusses the case of destruction of Firuzan (Abu Lo'lo')'s tomb which is a symbol of Iranian resistance against Arab invaders. http://www.puyeshgaraan.com/Esmail.htm

26 min 53 sec - Jul 11, 2007
Description: Lecture 28 Sivand Dam Update Report On the Recent Destructions of Archeological Sites in Iran This is the 28th program of a series called "In the Realm of Culture" (Dar Pishgaah e Farhang) in Persian and broadcast by AFNL TV Satellite network. The program is allocated to a report on the recent destructions of archeological sites in Iran by the direct involvement of government. Here, Ms. Shokooh Mirzadegi talks to Dr. Esmail Nooriala. This lecture by Iranian Scholar Professor Esmail Nooriala and Ms. Shokooh Mirzadegi Iranian Writer and Poet is considered as educational material and highly recommended by ActivistChat.com . This is lecture 28, part of weekly lecture series from site http://www.puyeshgaraan.com/Esmail.htm . If you wish to invite Professor Esmail Nooriala for lecture in English or Persian regarding different Iranian cultural or Political subjects please directly contact Professor Nooriala by Fax: 509-352-9630 esmail@nooriala.com or http://www.puyeshgaraan.com/ES.Contacts.htm

28 min 7 sec - Jul 19, 2007
Average rating: (1 rating)
Description: This is the 29th program of a series called "In the Realm of Culture" (Dar Pishgaah e Farhang) in Persian language . Here, in the forth part of his talks about the concept of specialized languages for professionals in cultural studies, Dr. Esmail Nooriala talks to Ms. Shokooh Mirzadegi about the concepts of World View, Norms and Values. This lecture by Iranian Scholar Professor Esmail Nooriala and Ms. Shokooh Mirzadegi Iranian Writer and Poet is considered as educational material and highly recommended by ActivistChat.com . This is lecture 29, part of weekly lecture series from site http://www.puyeshgaraan.com/Esmail.htm . If you wish to invite Professor Esmail Nooriala for lecture in English or Persian regarding different Iranian cultural or Political subjects please directly contact Professor Nooriala by Fax: 509-352-9630 esmail@nooriala.com or http://www.puyeshgaraan.com/ES.Contacts.htm

Considering that the scientific experiences and studies confirm that the historical and cultural achievements of a nation are the main source of their self-confidence and spiritual pride,

Considering that such treasures do not only belong to a particular nation and a land but are also recognized as undeniable parts of human civilization,

Considering that the Iranian historical treasures are in very drastic conditions due to the malicious actions of relevant authorizes in Iran and we are witnessing, on a daily basis, how these authorities are ignoring the threats against them and at the same time, are intentionally destroying them,

Considering that we are certainly able to expose the atrocities that are taking place against the history and culture of Iranians to the attention of the culture-appreciating and caring people of the world,

Considering that spreading the documented news of these hidden destructive agenda is within our capabilities,

Considering the fact that we can organize unbiased investigations that could open a fresh window to the history and culture of Iran,

Considering our capability to act as a whistle-blower that informs the rest of the world about this unfortunate and ongoing saga,

A new cultural foundation has legally been created and registered under the name, Pasargad Heritage Foundation (PHF). This foundation has been created as homage to Cyrus the Great, the author of the first human rights declaration in the history of mankind.

PHF is a not-for-profit, non-political and non-religious organization managed and run by unpaid volunteers from all over the world. They are only motivated by their love of the Iranian cultural treasures and their belief in the necessity of their preservation.

As members of FHP’s Board of Trustees, we would like to announce the commencement of this international organization’s activities, with a solemn promise to utilize all of our capabilities to guard and preserve the cultural and historical treasures of Iranian people that undoubtedly are considered as parts of mankind’s heritage.

The first general meeting of the Board to select the officers of the Foundation will take place in September 2007 and its various committees and departments will be able to welcome their new members and supporters from then on.

If you too believe in the importance of Iranian heritage and their role in enhancement of cultural developments and the civilized inter-connection of human societies, please do not hesitate to contact us and become a colleague of ours in this honorable endeavor. The doors of this Foundation are and will be always wide open to welcome you.

Based on studying and collecting information on history and archaeology news by evidence
“Persian Wonders” is a very impressive website about history of Mesopotamia and of course Persia. We have tried to introduce the evidence of archaeology in the best form. Our aim is to introduce the Iranian and Iraqis history in an interesting form!
The founder of “Persian Wonders” is Maysam Moghaddam, he began with a simple blog on May 2006 and then he decided to put all the information in a website that would attract young people as well. This website shows many interesting pictures and information from one of the greatest civilization ever. Maysam has decided to improve the website by involving other people. Some part of website is designed by the “Persian wonders” members. All information you see in our website is historical fact and you can see our refrence in "refrerence page" in "abot us".

It is true that war begins in the minds of men and that ignorance of each other's ways and lives creates the suspicion and mistrust which has so often been the common cause of wars throughout history, as the constitution of UNESCO declares. However, what the preamble to the constitution does not address is the fact that the same ignorance sometimes ends in imposition of own beliefs and philosophical preferences on others. In wars, cultural heritage is accidentally destroyed or otherwise destroyed for the purpose of defeating an enemy. However, in cultural wars cultural heritage is destroyed in order to deny a culture by destroying its symbols. A cultural war is a quiet war which hurts no human, but the humanity, and kills no one, but the identity some people spent centuries to build.

Example are destruction of vast libraries and cultural monuments by the Arab occupiers of Iran in 7th century, unnecessary destruction of monuments by the invading Mongols and Huns, senseless recent destruction of 2000-year old Buda statue and a great deal of historical relics by the Taliban in Afghanistan, and the ongoing and systematic destruction of Iranian pre-Islamic cultural and historical heritage by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

UNESCO under its current rules of representation and instruments of normative action cannot deal effectively in exercise of its responsibility to protect the cultural and historical heritage of mankind, while a great portion of the world is still ruled by autocratic governments unrepresentative of their peoples. While most valuable human heritage is located in such areas, UNESCO can never accomplish its mission unless some reforms, such as being herein proposed, are instituted.

During The Tehran International Law Conference held on June 24, 2007, a number of reform proposals to this end were submitted and discussed in order to be submitted to UNESCO for consideration. The idea is that UNESCO must become more proactive in its responsibilities and more sensitive to the wants of peoples rather than the governments. We shall no more witness destruction of cultural symbols of an outgoing regime by the new regime, a non-religion era by a new religious rule, an occupied country by the occupier, etc. All cultural and historical heritages must be respected and protected, because they demonstrate the trend of human advancements and achievements and belong to total humanity.

The proposals for reform in UNESCO are as follows:

Article II: Membership

Sec. 7. Each member nation is entitled to elect a Permanent Delegate to the Organization. The Permanent Delegate shall be elected in each respected country by means of free elections for a limited term of duty not exceeding four years.

Sec. 8. The Permanent Delegate of the Member State shall present credentials to the Director-General of the Organization, and shall assume his duties from the day of presentation of his credentials which must bear the seal of approval of the UN resident representative in said country.

Article IV: The General Conference

Sec. 9 (a) The General Conference shall meet in ordinary session every year…

Legal Committee:

We propose creation of a Legal Committee within the Organization to function under the direction of the Director-General. The function of the Legal Committee shall be to monitor compliance to the rules of preservation and protection of historical and cultural heritage, and to receive and investigate complaints of non-compliance, negligent or willful destruction of such heritage and illegal transport of historical relics and artifacts.

Enforcement:

The Legal Committee shall be empowered to refer serious cases of non-compliance to the Executive Board for appropriate action. Executive Board action may be in forms of Statement or Resolution. Severe cases of willful and/or systematic destruction may be referred to the UN Security Council or the International Criminal Court.

Although all above proposals require further study and collaboration for making them acceptable and operable, we believe that the time has come for the cultural crimes dealing with human civilization be treated as being not less important than the physical crimes dealing with lives.

According to the World Encyclopedia, cultural genocide is a term used to describe the deliberate destruction of the cultural heritage of a people or nation for political or military reasons. Since coming to power twenty-nine years ago, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been in a constant battle with the Iranian people as well as her culture and heritage.

The upcoming observance of The Iranian Cultural & Natural Heritage Year in the spring of 2008 is not just an Iranian event; it is humanity's most precious heritage event -- your and your descendents' heritage. It is an event of great value which is in dire need of your support. Generations of humanity will bemoan the loss of this living testimony to the nobility of mankind. The destructive hand of any kind of zealots must be stayed. Stand up, raise your voice and do what is in your power to preserve what is rightfully yours.

Visit Save Pasargad wrote:

ActivistChat wrote:

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